Instead of a Negroni, a Nelsoni

We're not going to get all pouty about it, but Seattle wasn't part of Eater.com's "Cocktail Week" last month. Fine. Really, fine.

But just for that, we're going to give you the recipe for a terrific drink concocted by Branzino bar manager Fairness Peck from a recipe devised by a well-connected but low-profile cocktail enthusiast named Art Nelson. In his honor, it's named, yup, the Nelsoni.

• 2 parts gin (Ransom Old Tom is the preferred bottle, but any will work; British-style Old Tom might be too sweet)
  
• 1 part Cardamaro
  
• 1 part Amaro Nonino

(Lemon or grapefruit bitters might work, perhaps depending on the gin selected)

Shake firmly and serve up with a lemon twist

• Why we like it: it's a sophisticated variation on the classic Negroni, but uses artisanal vermouth and a fine Italian amaro backed up by distinctive gin.
  
• Downside: you probably won't find many bars with all the ingredients. So the default is still the Negroni.
  
• Why it's an ideal Seattle cocktail: the Negroni--once an obscure Italian aperitivo made with equal parts of Campari, sweet vermouth and gin, has become almost too mainstream. Declare your independence!

Branzino, 2429 Second Avenue, Seattle, 206-728-5181